Agriculture remains one of the most powerful career paths in South Africa, especially for unemployed youth who want to gain practical experience while contributing to food security. The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnerships 2026 programme offers a unique opportunity for young South Africans to learn agricultural skills, gain industry exposure, and participate in a sector that is essential to the future of the country. AFGRI Crop and Livestock Learnership 2026

AFGRI Crop and Livestock Learnership 2026 – Apply Today for Farming with Plants and Animals!

Helping South Africa’s Future Farmers

With South Africa facing worries about having enough food and needing to farm in ways that protect the earth, AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD) is stepping up to invest in what matters most: its people. The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership Programme 2026 is now accepting applications, offering 18 hopeful farmers a chance to learn practical skills in growing crops and raising livestock.

Based at Vastfontein Farm near Pretoria, this year-long learnership combines learning by doing with some classroom-style training, preparing learners to make a real difference in South Africa’s farming world.

Applications are open until November 19, 2025. They’re especially looking for South Africans who are currently out of work and really interested in farming. Women and people with disabilities are very welcome to apply – AFGRI is committed to being fair and inclusive.

Why This Programme Matters in 2026

Farming is still super important for South Africa’s economy. But it’s also one of the areas where young people struggle to find jobs, and it’s being affected by climate change and new technologies. This learnership offers a real solution, combining creating jobs with teaching useful skills that you can use right away on a modern farm.

By giving learners skills in managing crops, taking care of animals, and understanding the business side of farming, AFGRI aims to help a new generation of farmers grow local food and develop rural communities.

As South Africa works toward more sustainable ways of producing food, programmes like this play a big part in creating a farming workforce that can handle whatever comes.

Programme Overview: Learning by Doing

The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership is more than just lessons – it’s a full year of getting involved in real farm work. Learners will split their time between studying and working in the fields, seeing every step of agricultural production.

Useful Links:

• Learning Programmes 2026
• SA Bursaries
• free online courses
• Learnership and Internship

Programme Details:

• Title: Learnership in Farming with Crops and Animals
• Reference Number: AO-2114
• Duration: 12 Months (Temporary Contract)
• Location: Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North
• Positions Available: 18
• Stipend: A decent rate

Learners will be working side-by-side with experienced farmers and trainers at Vastfontein Farm – a training farm known for growing lots of different things and focusing on new, eco-friendly techniques.

Who Can Apply

AFGRI is looking for applications from South African citizens who are currently unemployed and keen to start a farming career.

Minimum Requirements:

• South African citizenship
• High School Diploma (Matric) or similar
• Currently out of work
• A real interest in farming and agricultural development

What They Prefer:

• Women and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply, as part of AFGRI’s commitment to equal opportunities.

This programme is great for people who like being outdoors, solving problems, and learning practically. You don’t need any farming experience – just a good attitude, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

What You’ll Get

The AFGRI learnership provides a good mix of education, practical experience, and guidance, helping learners move easily into the farming workforce.

Participants will receive:

• Full agricultural training in growing crops and raising livestock
• Guidance and advice from experienced farming professionals
• Exposure to modern farming tools and methods
• Hands-on experience on a real farm
• A path to getting a job or starting your own farming business

This training also supports national goals of making sure everyone has enough food, dealing with climate change, and including more people in the economy, especially in rural areas.

How to Apply

Apply online through the official AFGRI careers website.

Application Deadline: November 19, 2025

Application Link: Apply Here

What You’ll Need:

• A detailed and up-to-date resume
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified copies of your qualifications

Only complete applications will be considered. Late applications won’t be accepted.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.
• If you don’t hear back within a month of the closing date, assume your application wasn’t successful.
• The programme follows AFGRI’s Employment Equity Policy, ensuring fair recruitment.
• All your personal information will be handled according to the law (POPIA).
• You can read the HR privacy notice on www.agh.co.za.

Q&A: Everything You Need to Know

Q: What’s the aim of this learnership?
A: To give unemployed South Africans the skills, experience, and support they need to build lasting careers in agriculture – either working for someone or starting their own farm.

Q: Where will I be trained?
A: At AFGRI’s Vastfontein Farm near Pretoria.

Q: Does the learnership pay?
A: Yes, you’ll get a decent stipend for the year.

Q: Can women and people with disabilities apply?
A: Absolutely. AFGRI really wants applications from these groups.

Q: Will I get a qualification at the end?
A: Yes, if you complete the programme, you’ll get a farming certificate, which will help you get a job in the industry.

Q: What can I do after the programme?
A: You might get a job with AFGRI or its partners, start your own small farm, or study farming further.

Why AFGRI’s Learnership is Special

Unlike many short courses, AFGRI’s learnership combines learning, working, and getting advice – which is what South Africa needs.

It does more than create jobs; it helps communities by encouraging independence, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food production. Learners gain technical skills and learn about protecting the environment, managing money, and leading in rural areas.

This means that graduates are ready to succeed in the changing farming world – one that values new ideas, sustainability, and helping others.

Why Agricultural Learnerships Are So Important

In a country where many young people can’t find work, initiatives like this are crucial. They don’t just offer jobs; they create paths to real careers in an industry that helps everyone have enough food and grows the economy.

By investing in young farmers, South Africa invests in its future – in local food, a healthy environment, and stable communities. Programmes like this show that farming is a modern job powered by science, technology, and new ideas.

Don’t Miss Out! Deadline: November 19, 2025

If you want to be a farmer or are looking for a practical learning experience, the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026 is a great chance to get training, support, and a way into a job.

Applications close on November 19, 2025, and there are only a few places.

Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape South Africa’s farming future!

Apply now through the AFGRI website:
https://afgri.mcidirecthire.com/External/Job

Your future in sustainable farming starts with one application – and now’s your chance to grow.

Extended FAQ (AdSense-Friendly, SEO-Optimized)

Q: Is this learnership open to people without farming experience?
Yes. AFGRI welcomes applicants with no previous farming background as long as they have motivation, discipline, and interest in agriculture.

Q: What does “eco-friendly farming” mean?
It refers to farming practices that protect the environment, conserve water, minimise chemical use, and support long-term soil health.

Q: How many positions are available?
There are 18 spots for the 2026 intake.

Q: Will I need to relocate?
Training takes place near Pretoria North. If you live far, you may need temporary accommodation, but this depends on your personal situation.

Q: What kind of livestock training can I expect?
Training may include animal nutrition, basic veterinary care, breeding management, and animal welfare practices.

Q: What crops are normally grown at Vastfontein Farm?
The farm is known for diverse crops and sustainable cultivation methods, giving learners exposure to multiple production systems.

Q: Can I apply if I failed matric?
The requirement states “Matric or similar,” so equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Q: Will I get a job afterwards?
The learnership does not guarantee employment, but many learners go on to work with AFGRI, join partner farms, or start agricultural enterprises.

THATO SABETHWA

Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.